Aflion Carrot vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Aflion Carrot and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Aflion Carrot and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon. The Carrot is a tactile switch that offers a uniquely bouncy tactile experience, thanks to its long, two-stage spring. Additionally, it provides a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon is a linear switch that showcases the beauty of a smooth typing experience. The progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design make these switches buttery smooth to type on. While the Carrot offers a more tactile and lively feel, the Sea Salt Lemon provides a smoother and more neutral typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20mm two-stage spring
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
The Aflion Carrot and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon have similar housing materials in terms of the top housing, which is made of polycarbonate. Both switches benefit from the use of polycarbonate in their top housings, as it creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound profile, which enhances the overall typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for the use of RGB lighting, making it visually appealing for those who enjoy customizable lighting effects.
However, the housing materials for the bottom housings of these switches differ. The Carrot features a nylon bottom housing, which is considered a classic switch housing material. The use of nylon in the bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The relatively softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, offering the same benefits in terms of sound profile. Both switches, therefore, provide a typing experience that elicits a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to the nylon bottom housing.
When it comes to the overall typing experience, the differences in the top and bottom housings of these switches play a role. Pressing down on a key will primarily highlight the qualities of the bottom housing, as it has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing will have more influence on the sound when the key is released. Despite the variations in housing materials, both the Carrot and Sea Salt Lemon provide satisfactory typing experiences, with the bottom housing contributing to the overall sound profile and the top housing affecting the sound upon key release.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, there are noticeable differences. The Carrot has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Sea Salt Lemon's 45 grams, making it more sensitive to triggering keystrokes. Similarly, in terms of bottom out force, the Carrot requires 45 grams of force, while the Sea Salt Lemon necessitates 53 grams. This indicates that the Sea Salt Lemon provides a slightly heavier typing experience, requiring more force to fully depress the keys.
Considering the weight of the switches, some may prefer the Carrot due to its lighter actuation and bottom out forces. This makes it ideal for extended typing sessions or intense gaming sessions where lighter switches enable increased endurance. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces. This may appeal to individuals who prefer a stronger push and desire a more tactile feedback while typing.
Overall, while the actuation and bottom out forces of the Carrot and Sea Salt Lemon differ, both options provide a satisfactory typing experience. Depending on the personal preference of the user, they can choose the Carrot for a lighter touch or the Sea Salt Lemon for a slightly heavier and more substantial typing feel.
Travel distance
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch have the same travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either switch, you will feel the same distance of travel. There is no difference between the two switches in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Aflion Carrot has an MSRP of $4.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Carrot for $3.57.
The KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
The Aflion Carrot tactile switch is best known for its uniquely bouncy tactile experience. When pressed, these switches offer a lively feel with a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation. This bounciness is due to its long, two-stage spring design. In terms of sound, the Carrot switch produces a mid-pitched and firm sound profile. It can be described as clacky, marbly, and high-pitched, providing a sharp and snappy sound. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is a representation of a smooth typing experience. Its progressive spring and KTT's dry-lube design contribute to a buttery smooth feel when typing. These linear switches are described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience. While the sound characteristics of the Sea Salt Lemon switch are not specified, due to its linear nature, it is safe to assume that it produces a low-pitched sound with a bass-heavy and mellow tone. Overall, the Carrot switch offers a bouncy and tactile experience with a mid-pitched and firm sound, while the Sea Salt Lemon switch provides a smooth and mild typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are looking for a fun and bouncy tactile switch with a unique spring design, the Aflion Carrot would be an excellent choice for you. With its light bottom out force of 45 grams, it offers a lively and feathery feel, making it comfortable for extended typing sessions. The Carrot also produces a mid-pitched and firm sound profile, which may be suitable for shared spaces. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch would be more suitable. With a slightly higher bottom out force of 53 grams, these switches offer a mild and gentle typing experience that most people would find approachable. The Sea Salt Lemon has a low-pitched sound profile, which is more bass-heavy and mellow. Ultimately, the choice between the Aflion Carrot and KTT Sea Salt Lemon depends on your personal preferences for tactility, sound, and feel.
Mentioned in this article
